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... abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound...

Hello to all...

I was shifting around components in my system, trying to squeeze out better controlled bass, more definition within the soundstage, and better define the "voice/midrange" presentation...

I presently have a tube preamp (hardwired with a wall wart) into an HT Receiver; source is a Marantz SA-8001 CD Player

Swapped out a Yamaha HTR -5550 (hardwired) for a Parasound HCA-750A (which needs a power cord).

CD Player is powered with a PS Audio Statement SC power cord, so I went in my closet and pulled out another PS AUDIO Statement SC power cord, hooked it up and expect to give it at least 5 days continuous re-break-in before serious listening.

Took a minute to lookup reviews about this power cord - and I read some rather confusing reviews: some luved 'um, some liked 'um, but some thought them " ...slow... " (?), and giving a veiled presentation...

I'm gonna listen and decide myself - but I'm abit confused: how does a power cord affect the presentation of sound - I know that interconnects and speaker cables would/could/Do affect sound presentation - but how could a power cord?

Explanation/thoughts please...
insearchofprat
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
"To answer the OP's question, I found that PCs can and will affect the dynamics and the size of the soundstage. Doing that, all manner of lessor effects happen.

Don't fall for the red herring of "all that romex and junk" the power goes through before you get it. All that came before it is moot since what you need to do is get the best you can from where it all terminates: the outlet.

When you cook a steak, do you worry about the rest of the cow that came before it?"

+1 Nonoise / Well stated!
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millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The reason why power cords (and everything else) works has already been clearly explained. I did so in a post deliberately put up on April 1st for maximum trigger effect. In spite of the date it was a totally serious post. Look it up. If you're serious about wanting to understand.
jpwarren58
666 posts
 
Nothing like a power cord discussion first thing in the morning. I moderately upgrade my stock  power cords for shielding and it looks cool. There, someone finally said it. 
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,377 posts
 
I’m afraid there is no good explanation that can satisfy the naysayers. There’s a difference between someone who says “I can’t discern a difference between stock or aftermarket power cord, thus it makes no difference.” and “There can’t be a difference (usually follow up with a scientific reason). Be wary about those who say the latter. They’re usually the measurement crowd -:)

To answer OP question, just like IC’s and speaker cables; after markets power cords do alter the sound of your equipment. I consider cables as essential ‘tweaks’ for fine tuning my audio system. 
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